Ben Brown is New Zealand’s First Reading Ambassador

Ben Brown is a poet, author and publisher who lives in Lyttleton.

It’s been announced that he is the first Te Awhi Rito New Zealand Reading Ambassador. This is a national role which is overseen by the National Library to champion reading, literature and literacy for young New Zealanders.

His first powerful message is for parents and caregivers. Ben wants them to read to their children every day. He thinks it will make a big difference to children. He was always read to as a child and he says the importance of that cannot be overstated. “It’s change the world behavior”, he said. “It can take 10 minutes out of a day but it will make a big difference. Tell them stories, and reinforce who they are, why they are here, why they are important. Make it a mantra and do it every day.”

We have access to free library membership from the Dunedin Public Library. Waikouaiti Library, a Dunedin Public Library, is available with great children and young adult reading sections and helpful librarians for advice.

Parents can keep on reading with, talking about and sharing books with teen readers.

“Story time isn’t just for young children says literary critic Megan Cox Gurdon. For Cox Gurdon the benefits go deep with teenagers-reading aloud can provide both adults and teens with a welcome means of communication without the nagging, negativity and silences that often creep into that dynamic.” Excerpt from: Why I read aloud to my teenagers. In the Guardian. International Edition.

EOHS Library will soon reopen and be up and running for pupil use again. - Rae Howland, Library.